Special Constabulary ShopWatch is a new initiative that unites the
police, town centre
business and government to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
in town
centres and shopping areas.
The initiative is currently being trialed in Ipswich Town Centre
and is expected to be gradually introduced across the county in the
near future.
“The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported
that in 2004 retail related crime in
England & Wales cost retailers £1 billion. As a result BRC have
given Shopwatch its full backing following the success of initial
schemes”
How does it
work?
Shop staff and employees of town centre
businesses volunteer as Special Constables and carry out police
patrols during some of their working hours. They will work in the
town centre alongside colleagues who maybe Regular Officers, Police
Community Support Officers or other fellow Special Constables.
Their presence will actively deter theft and
fraud offences and discourage anti-social behaviour affecting the
town centre. They will also act as reassurance for shoppers and
fellow workers in the area. Even when off duty, the training
they receive and skills they develop can provide benefits in the
workplace.
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How can I help?
Employers: By releasing one or more members of
your staff for a few hours each month you will be actively
helping to reduce crime in your town centre. It pays to be
involved; when the scheme launched in London in 2004, retailers
taking part say that reported theft halved. For more information on
the successes of similar schemes, visit
http://www.shopwatch.info/ - opens in a
new window.
Staff members: Apply to join ShopWatch as a
Special Constable. Once successfully getting through the
application process, you will receive four weekends training and
you will have all uniform, equipment and powers of the
regular police to patrol and fight crime.
As a Special Constable, you will be joining a
team committed to providing Suffolk with the best policing service
in the country.
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Call us
ShopWatch is proving itself a powerful new tool
in the fight against crime. For the scheme to reach its full
potential, we need your help. If you represent or work for a
business in one of Suffolk’s town centres give us a call.
Employees: For more information on applying to
be a ShopWatch Special Constable, call our recruitment line on
01473 613640 please quote ShopWatch.
Employers: If you are interested in supporting
this scheme in your business, call Mick Mann on 01473 613638 for an
informal discussion, or email
mick.mann@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
Existing Specials: If you are interested in
becoming part of the ShopWatch scheme and you currently work within
a town centre call Mick Mann on 01473 613638 for an informal
discussion.
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